On this week’s Slate Political Gabfest, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss Judge Richard Leon's ruling that the NSA's phone program is likely unconstitutional, and whether Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg should retire while Obama can appoint her successor. They’re then joined by Slate’s Josh Levin to talk about his article about the life of Linda Taylor, the original welfare queen.

Here are some of the links and references mentioned during this week's show:

David chatters about the articles we wish we'd published this year—look for a list on Slate soon!

Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. The email address for the Political Gabfest is gabfest@slate.com. (Email may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)

Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus and Andy Bowers. Links compiled by Rebecca Cohen.